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During an 1830 trial of Joseph on the "charge of misdemeanor" Oliver Cowdery "testified under oath, that said Smith found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two transparent stones, resembling glass, set in silver bows. That by looking through these, he was able to read in English, the reformed Egyptian characters, which were engraved on the plates." (see A.W. Benton, "Mormonites,," Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate n.s. 2:15 (April 9, 1831). Since Oliver's only experience in translating the Book of Mormon came after the loss of the 116 manuscript pages, his testimony at this trial clearly suggests that he was acquainted with the Nephite interpreters from personal observation.